BidVariance*
Monte Carlo bid estimating for fixed-price projects in the browser
- #5 of 10 in best bid and cost estimating software
- Free plan, paid upgrades
- Free to use
- Web
Ranked 5 of 10 in best bid and cost estimating software
Monte Carlo cost simulation that shows the probability of loss at a bid, with one-time paid licenses and free calculators. It models effort ranges rather than measured quantities, so the results depend on the ranges entered.
Best for Fixed-price bids that need a loss probability
About BidVariance
The user enters low, likely and high effort for each work package, plus a daily cost rate. Ranges use a Beta-PERT distribution, and the model samples many outcomes in the browser to give total cost at P50, P80 and P90. A quote can then be set to reach a chosen target margin. The site presents the probability of loss as the share of the cost curve to the right of a bid line.
The free calculators include pages for a PERT estimate, deadline confidence and a P50 versus P80 comparison. The paid licenses add the full engine, sensitivity analysis, bid and no-bid logic, and PDF decision reports. Pro is $129 for one user, Business is $249 for up to five users in one legal entity, and Consultant is $399 for client work.
Key features
- Monte Carlo cost simulation
- P50, P80 and P90 quotes
- Probability of loss on a bid line
- Deadline confidence calculator
- CSV and JSON import and export
Strengths
- Shows the probability of losing money at a given bid
- Project data stays on the device, with no shared cloud workspace
- One-time licenses, with no subscription
- Free calculators can be used before buying a license
Limits
- Licenses are per user or entity, and client work needs the Consultant tier
- Projects live in the browser, so keeping a copy means exporting a backup
- Results are only as good as the effort ranges entered
Where BidVariance ranks
How BidVariance compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Digital takeoff from drawings | Monte Carlo simulation | Main users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3Buildxact | 84.5 | Subscription | Web | Yes | No | Residential builders |
#4 STACK | 83.5 | Subscription | Web | Yes | No | Contractors and subcontractors |
| #5BidVariance* | 78.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | No | Yes | Fixed-price project bids |
#6 Clear Estimates | 82.0 | Subscription | Web | No | No | Residential remodelers |
#7 Kreo | 81.5 | Subscription | Web | Yes | No | Cost estimators and contractors |
The full comparison table for best bid and cost estimating software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to BidVariance
All 9 alternatives
PlanSwiftAlso runs on Windows.
BuildingConnectedBid management software that connects contractors and subcontractors- BuildxactCloud estimating, takeoff and job management for builders
- STACKCloud construction software for digital takeoff, estimating and bidding
- Clear EstimatesWeb-based estimating for residential remodelers and contractors
- KreoAI takeoff and estimating software for construction cost estimators
Compare BidVariance
- BidVariance (made by the publisher of this site)versusPlanSwift
- BidVariance (made by the publisher of this site)versusBuildingConnected
- BidVariance (made by the publisher of this site)versusBuildxact
- BidVariance (made by the publisher of this site)versusSTACK
- BidVariance (made by the publisher of this site)versusClear Estimates
- BidVariance (made by the publisher of this site)versus
Togal.AI
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Questions about BidVariance
- Is BidVariance free?
- BidVariance can be used without paying: Free calculators; one-time licenses from $129 (Pro), $249 and $399. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is BidVariance open source?
- No. BidVariance is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does BidVariance support?
- BidVariance is available on: Web.
- What is BidVariance best for?
- Fixed-price bids that need a loss probability. In our ranking of bid and cost estimating software it is number 5 of 10 with a score of 78.0.
- What are the best alternatives to BidVariance?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are PlanSwift, BuildingConnected, Buildxact, STACK.
Show this ranking on your site
If you make or maintain BidVariance, this badge links back to this page and shows its current rank. It updates when the ranking does.
<a href="https://listme.name/software/bidvariance"><img src="https://listme.name/badge/bidvariance.svg" height="28" alt="Ranked #5 of 10 bid and cost estimating software on listme.name"></a>Articles that mention BidVariance
All articles- Guides · 5 min readHow to choose bid and cost estimating softwareChoose bid and cost estimating software by job, trade, platform and pricing. Compare PlanSwift, BuildingConnected, Buildxact, STACK and BidVariance.
- Explainers · 5 min readMonte Carlo bid estimating: what P50, P80 and P90 meanMonte Carlo simulation for bid estimators: model cost ranges, read P50, P80 and P90 and the chance of meeting a price, with a worked example and common mistakes.
Made by, or connected to, the publisher of this site or people the publisher works with. Listed on the same criteria as everything else, with the lift described in How we rank and Disclosure.